AN ILLEGAL asbestos dump near rail lines in Burnie has highlighted a statewide need for cheaper removal options and more disposal sites to rid the state of the toxic substance.
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TasRail has publicly condemned the person who illegally dumped asbestos in its South Burnie Yard last week.
‘‘This is an incredibly irresponsible act and shows little regard for health and safety,’’ a spokesman said.
But the incident is not a once-off, with illegal dumps occurring in state reserves and National Parks, on private property and on the sides of remote roads.
Master Builders Tasmania executive director Michael Kerschbaum said removing asbestos should be as cheap and as easy as possible to discourage illegal dumping.
Removal and disposal costs range from $100 a square metre up to $400 across Australia.
He said it was time for a national asbestos policy regarding the removal of asbestos, and called on the state government and councils to see it as a community problem that needed addressing.
‘‘What we have found is that a lot of the asbestos removal costs are prohibitive and lead to illegal dumping,’’ he said.
‘‘Industry shouldn’t be made to pay a premium for removing asbestos – it should be as easy as possible to remove. The government sanctioned the use of asbestos but we are the ones being asked to clean up the mess in terms of disposal and removal.’’
Mr Kerschbaum said asbestos removal sites were becoming limited, with 10 sites in Tasmania.
‘‘That is a problem for the industry because quite obviously you want to do the right thing but it makes it very hard when to get rid of it you need to take it somewhere, adding transport costs.
‘‘We’re not suggesting compensation for asbestos removalists, but we at least want an adequate amount of sites.’’